not much hope on duo

MUCH hope will not be placed on Malaysian Ibrahim Amir and Patrick Ooi (pic) in the third leg of the Guinness 9 Ball Tour at Genting Highlands scheduled June 15-17, 2007.

Both cue artists were cursed with tough draws in the two earlier legs (Jakarta & Taiwan) but Malaysian Snooker and Billiards Federation (MSBF) hope their players will be able to showcase their best in the early stages of the tournament.

Ibrahim was drawn in Group A together with Jakarta leg champion Chang Jung-Lin of Taiwan and Hong Kong's Au Chi Wai. Patrick, meanwhile, was roped with Taiwan's prince of pool Yang Ching-Shun and Japanese Naoyuki Oi.

Ching-Shun eventually won the second leg at home.

"We are expecting the best out of them since the first rounds are played in a round robin manner. We hope Patrick and Ibrahim will play their best and qualify to the knock out stages," said MSBF secretary Melvin Chia.

Ching-Shun is currently one of the best pool players in the world and the Doha Asian Games bronze medallist is a prodigy of former world champion Chao FongPang.

Ibrahim had a disappointing run in the first leg at Jakarta. Nevertheless, he has pulled several surprised over the years, registering wins over Filipino Efren 'The Magician' Reyes and Ching-Shun.

"I hope our side will be able to buckle up the game and make an impact. Otherwise it's going to be another learning experience," added Melvin.

Meanwhile, national snooker player Moh Keen Hoo was invited to partake in an invitational tournament in Dahlian, China. Seven other players join him including two from China, Hong Kong and Thailand respectively and another from Singapore.

Pic: It will be more of a learning experience for Ibrahim (left) and Patrick as they gear up for the Korat SEA Games in Decemeber.

-The Man Who Sold The World-